A recent social media post from a traveler identified as "✈️ breanna🇩🇪🇺🇸" has drawn attention to the pervasive issue of street harassment in Antwerp, Belgium. The individual described a deeply distressing experience, stating, "I’m honestly fundamentally shaken. It wasn’t just two men that were friends, it was the entire street. I was nothing. I was looked at and chased at like I was on the red light district. I’m in Antwerp, dressed very very conservatively. This is worse than downtown Dallas." The tweet highlights a profound sense of vulnerability and violation despite the individual's conservative attire.
This personal account aligns with broader concerns regarding street harassment in Belgian cities. A 2019 survey conducted by Plan International in Antwerp, Brussels, and Charleroi revealed alarming statistics. The study indicated that 38% of reported harassment incidents occur frequently or at any time of day, with streets, leisure areas, and public transport being common locations.
The survey also found that women are disproportionately affected, and a significant majority of victims receive no assistance. Specifically, 97% of victims in Antwerp and 91% in Charleroi reported not being helped during harassment incidents. This lack of intervention from bystanders is a critical issue, with 46% of young people stating they do not intervene because they are unsure how to react, and 35% fearing they might also become targets.
Belgium has taken steps to address the issue, criminalizing verbal sexual intimidation in public since 2014. Despite this, reporting rates remain low, with only a small fraction of incidents reaching authorities. Recent research highlighted by The Brussels Times indicates that approximately 80% of women in Belgium have experienced some form of intimidation or harassment in public spaces.
The ongoing prevalence of street harassment often leads to self-censorship among women, limiting their freedom to move freely at certain times or in specific areas. The incident in Antwerp underscores the urgent need for continued public awareness, bystander intervention training, and effective enforcement of existing laws to ensure safer urban environments for everyone.